REUKEMA, Mary Elizabeth (Betty)

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona, Tuesday, November 06, 2012 Betty Reukema passed away Thursday, October 25th, 2012 at the Olivia White Hospice Home in Flagstaff, AZ. She was born Mary Elizabeth Beauverd on May 23rd, 1920 in Ogden Utah, to Harry and Florence Beauverd. Betty had two sisters, Margaret (“Sister”) and Barbara. The family moved to Los Angeles, CA. when Betty was quite young, finally settling in Alhambra CA., where she was raised. Betty graduated from Alhambra High School and Pasadena City College. She married the love of her life, Donald Miles Reukema, on May 29th, 1941. Betty and Don have two children, David and Jane. Betty was one of WWII’s iconic "Rosie the Riveters" working for Lockheed on Hudson bombers. With Don’s work in international construction for C.F.Braun, Dillingham, and Bechtel, the family lived in many communities around the world. Many years were spent in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, Australia, as well as the Philippines, Indonesia, Texas, and Canada. Don and Betty loved to travel. Accompanied by their young family, they explored the many countries in which they lived. Betty was a great supporter of her husband’s career and her family. Her support made their many adventures around the world possible. When Betty and Don retired to Healdsburg, CA in the early 1980’s, they continued to travel abroad, enjoying many more adventures. In retirement, they became very active with the Healdsburg Museum and other charities. Betty was an avid reader and lover of books, and had a sharp memory for details. Betty and Don moved to The Peaks Senior Living Community in Flagstaff in 2008, to be near their daughter Jane and her family. Betty was a caring and loving wife and mother and a good friend to all. Betty had a fabulous sense of style, always dressing beautifully. She made a lovely home wherever she and Don and the family lived around the world. She was generous to family and friends, and was an accomplished knitter. Over the years, many family members received Irish knit and cable sweaters. She loved other crafts, including quilting and macramé, and was always very busy with her projects. Betty is survived by her son, David Reukema (Barbara), Laguna Niguel, CA; daughter Jane Reukema (George Bain), Flagstaff AZ; her sister Barbara Campbell (Pasadena, CA), her grandchildren, Glen Reukema (Kristina), Jason Reukema (Elizabeth “Liz”), Wesley Bain, and Lena Bain, and her great-grandchildren, Aidan, Charlotte, and Gavin Reukema, and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will take place Sunday, November 18 at 1:00, at the Olivia White Hospice Home Gazebo on Switzer Canyon Drive in Flagstaff AZ. Donations in Betty’s name to Olivia White Hospice or the charity of your choice will be appreciated.